Director, Production Operations

About this role

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.     Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.  

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role Sierra Space is scaling from development programs into high-rate, repeatable production across a diversified portfolio of military and commercial systems, including satellites and spacecraft, propulsion systems, solar power systems, and the Dream Chaser spaceplane. As Director, Production Operations based in Madison, Wisconsin, you will play a critical role in executing the production strategy for propulsion development and manufacturing, building the operational systems required to deliver hardware at pace, at quality, and at cost.

This is an execution-focused leadership role for a proven operations professional with expertise in propulsion systems. Reporting to the Vice President, Production, you will lead manufacturing and assembly operations for propulsion product lines and additional enterprise products within Sierra Space's Madison facility. You will drive standardization of production processes, implement data-driven manufacturing systems, and build high-performing teams capable of scaling propulsion output while maintaining quality and efficiency. You will partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to ensure production readiness and on-time delivery of critical propulsion systems for space and defense applications. About You Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.  

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead manufacturing and assembly operations for propulsion product lines, including day-to-day oversight of production floor activities, scheduling, and workflow management at the Madison, WI facility.  

• Execute production strategy to scale propulsion manufacturing from development programs into repeatable, high-rate production with a focus on throughput, yield, and cost efficiency.  

• Standardize propulsion production processes and workflows to create consistent, repeatable, high-quality build operations aligned with enterprise-wide best practices.  

• Support capacity planning and facility buildout efforts for propulsion manufacturing, including layout optimization, equipment installation, and production line commissioning.  

• Drive vertical integration initiatives by standing up and maturing internal propulsion manufacturing capabilities, including additive manufacturing, machining, assembly, and test operations for propulsion components and systems.  

• Implement and mature manufacturing execution systems (MES) and production data infrastructure to enable traceability, repeatability, and real-time visibility into propulsion manufacturing performance.  

• Establish and   maintain   production operating rhythm through KPIs, dashboards, and review cadences focused on cycle time, yield, throughput, labor efficiency, on-time delivery, and cost for propulsion production.  

• Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) to   identify   and   eliminate   production inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve quality in propulsion operations.  

• Collaborate with Propulsion Engineering and Product Assurance to drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) into propulsion product development and support new product introduction (NPI) activities.  

• Partner across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Facilities, Security, and Program Management to ensure aligned production readiness, material availability, and execution against propulsion program schedules.  

• Manage production budgets for propulsion operations and analyze manufacturing costs to implement cost-saving measures that   maintain   quality standards and support financial goals.  

• Lead and develop production management teams at the Madison facility, including supervisors, engineers, and technicians, fostering collaboration and accountability while upholding company values and a culture of operational excellence.  

• Ensure compliance with industry-specific production standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems (ISO, AS9100, GMP, etc.) applicable to aerospace and propulsion manufacturing operations.  

• Represent propulsion production operations in cross-functional forums and communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans to executive leadership and external stakeholders, including customers and regulatory bodies.  

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).  

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, or operations roles in complex technical industries, with   a significant portion   in leadership positions.  

• The ability to obtain and   maintain   a   Top Secret   U.S. Security Clearance is   required

• Proven   track record   of successfully managing large teams and complex production projects in

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